Clemson defense beginning to discover its identity

The unit was oft-injured and much-maligned in 2012, but the Tigers defenders have begun to make headlines along with their explosive teammates on offense.

By ERIC BOYNTONeric.boynton@shj.com

Clemson’s previously anonymous defense is finally beginning to muscle in on the abundant attention that’s been lavished on their offensive teammates since coordinator Chad Morris arrived three years ago.The only headlines created by the Tigers defensively last season were primarily reserved for reporting any one of the numerous injuries endured by a banged-up secondary or taking heat for forcing the offense to rack up enormous point totals to emerge victorious.But now the Tigers have improved across the board after surrendering 35 points in the season-opening win over Georgia. Opponents have mustered only 48 points during the past four games, with nobody higher than 14.“We’re a totally different team defensively than we were at this time last year,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “I think this is the deepest, most talented and most experienced group we’ve had (over his tenure) and the first time we’ve probably had a combination of those three things.”A deep and fierce defensive line has helped Clemson lead the nation with 3.8 sacks per game, be second with an average of 10 tackles for loss, fourth in three-and-outs (6.8 per game) and fifth in third-down conversion rate (.244). Tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Vic Beasley (leading the nation in sacks per game with eight total) have begun garnering national recognition in addition to linebacker Spencer Shuey and Stephone Anthony.Swinney laughed as he described his joy in finally seeing the defense receive positive attention.“Probably the biggest improvement on the defensive line is people know some of their names. Nobody knew anybody’s name coming into this season. I did a radio show with Eddie George and we’re talking about Tajh Boyd and all the things everybody wants to talk about with our football team, and I asked him if he could name one defensive lineman and he couldn’t. He couldn’t name one guy on our entire defense. I’ve used that with our team because we’ve got some good players.“Now everybody knows Grady, Vic, Corey Crawford. They’re starting to create a little bit of an identity and I love it. They’re a blue-collar bunch and very unselfish and have great chemistry.”The Tigers will get their biggest challenge defensively since Georgia when rugged Boston College visits today with an experienced offensive line and outstanding talent at the skill positions. Andre Williams leads the nation in rushing, receiver Alex Amidon was All-ACC First-Team last year and has posted 2013 numbers comparable with Clemson star Sammy Watkins, and quarterback Chase Rettig passed for 341 yards against Clemson last year.“It’s a big challenge and everything starts with the run game, and when people are able to establish it with consistency you have issues on defense,” Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “They have a big, physical presence with both their offensive line and (Williams) and they’ve got a nice play-action game and a veteran group offensively. They are able to do a lot of things out of multiple personnel groups and formations.”Boston College’s strong rushing attack is cause for concern for a Clemson defense that has been vulnerable to allowing long runs. Despite dominating Syracuse last week, the Orange rushed for 323 yards and their two touchdowns came via runs of 66 and 28 yards. Both Venables and Swinney said the susceptibility to the big play was correctable, and Jarrett concurred.“A lot of miscommunication on some calls leads to being in the wrong gaps, but it’s all good and fixable issues,” Jarrett said. “We can’t afford the big plays and it seems like every other game, one squeaks out on us and kind of throws us off and staggers our stats a little bit.“Boston College has a very physical run game and it’s a great opportunity for us to see where we are against a very good offensive line and running back and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

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